dressy comfy

top, Calvin Klein Outlet

Caslon blazer, Nordstom Rack

Calvin Klein straight leg jeans, Ross

necklace, Forever 21

     I usually try to dress up a little more when I have visitors in the room, but my observation happened to fall on a day when I wasn't feeling 100%. So I went with stretchy pants, a nice top, and a snuggly blazer, then added a necklace for a little polish. I love a good blazer, and this one is like wearing a dressy sweatshirt! Surprisingly, I haven't worn it much, but I plan to wear it a few more times before the weather warms up.

       It was another weekend full of aikido. This involved setting up, practicing, then breaking down everything and putting it away neatly. Fingers crossed that my body isn't too sore today - last night, my knees were already protesting when I went up the stairs!

missing syllables

top, Calvin Klein Outlet

Calvin Klein petite jeans, Ross (birthday present to myself)

Banana Republic cardigan, from mom

    I bought myself a new pair of jeans as a birthday present, and I'm still figuring out whether I like them. I wish the waist was a bit smaller, since the legs are so fitted and stretchy that they tend to slide down a bit. (Does that make sense? I don't quite know how to explain it, but that's what it feels like when I'm wearing them). Anyhow, hitching up my pants in front of 25 fourth-graders is not going to happen, so for this outfit I settled for pairing it with a longer top. I did like these pants better the second time I wore them, compared to the first. I also have to admit, I really like the way they look in the above photo. They make me look long and lean, which is a feat when you are about 5 feet tall.

     On Tuesday afternoon, my colleague and I decided to combine our classes for a showing of a Magic School Bus video on cells, then have some guided discussion.
    During the discussion, I asked the students, "What is the scientific name for living things?" One of my students had her hand up, so I called on her, and she proudly announced .... well, let's say that she didn't say organisms. But if take out the "ni" in that word, you'll know what she said. ; ) All I could say was, "Well, I think your word is missing a syllable. Anyone else know the scientific word?"
     Keeping up with 25 fourth-graders is a lot of work, but they can be extremely entertaining at times!

unlikely summer revelations

top, Calvin Klein Outlet

Coldwater Creek scarf, gift

Beau jeggings, Ross

cardigan, Forever 21

     Up to this point I've treated this top as workwear, which means it's always been paired with trousers or a pencil skirt. It was fun to style it more casually with jeggings, a scarf, and light slouchy
cardigan.
    It may sound strange, but it wasn't until last week that I've realized how perfect a scarf is for layering. It's lightweight and can be folded away into a bag, doesn't add bulk when worn with a cardigan or blazer, and adds color, pattern and warmth.

   It's been years since I wore a watch regularly, but last year I decided that since I was turning 35, a classic watch would be a good accessory. I'm retraining myself to wear a watch everyday and use it to check the time. One motivating factor is that it's fun to mix and match with bracelets! I'm really glad I chose a two-tone watch - it's so easy to wear with all kinds of jewelry.